Exhaustion disorder: Difference between revisions

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== Exhaustion Disorder ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Human_stress.jpg|thumb|right|Stress is a significant factor in exhaustion disorder.]]
| name                    = Exhaustion disorder
 
| image                  = [[File:Human_stress.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = A depiction of stress, a common factor in exhaustion disorder
| field                  = [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms                = [[Fatigue]], [[cognitive difficulties]], [[emotional instability]], [[sleep disturbances]]
| onset                  = Gradual
| duration                = Can be chronic if untreated
| causes                  = [[Chronic stress]], [[work-related stress]], [[burnout]]
| risks                  = High workload, lack of support, poor work-life balance
| diagnosis              = Clinical assessment, [[psychological evaluation]]
| differential            = [[Depression]], [[anxiety disorders]], [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]
| treatment              = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[stress management]], [[lifestyle changes]]
| medication              = [[Antidepressants]], [[anxiolytics]]
| prognosis              = Good with treatment, but may recur
| frequency              = Increasing in modern societies
}}
'''Exhaustion disorder''' is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms that result from prolonged exposure to stress. It is often considered a form of [[burnout]], but it is distinct in its clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria. This disorder is recognized in some countries, such as Sweden, where it is known as "utmattningssyndrom."
'''Exhaustion disorder''' is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms that result from prolonged exposure to stress. It is often considered a form of [[burnout]], but it is distinct in its clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria. This disorder is recognized in some countries, such as Sweden, where it is known as "utmattningssyndrom."
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of exhaustion disorder are primarily related to chronic stress and include:
The symptoms of exhaustion disorder are primarily related to chronic stress and include:
* Severe physical and mental fatigue
* Severe physical and mental fatigue
* Cognitive difficulties, such as impaired concentration and memory
* Cognitive difficulties, such as impaired concentration and memory
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* Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or non-restorative sleep
* Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or non-restorative sleep
* Physical symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues
* Physical symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues
These symptoms can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life and may lead to long-term health consequences if not addressed.
These symptoms can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life and may lead to long-term health consequences if not addressed.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Exhaustion disorder is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to stressors without adequate recovery. Common stressors include:
Exhaustion disorder is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to stressors without adequate recovery. Common stressors include:
* High workload and job demands
* High workload and job demands
* Lack of control over one's work environment
* Lack of control over one's work environment
* Interpersonal conflicts at work or home
* Interpersonal conflicts at work or home
* Major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one
* Major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one
The body's [[stress response]] system, which involves the [[hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis]], becomes dysregulated in exhaustion disorder, leading to the symptoms experienced by sufferers.
The body's [[stress response]] system, which involves the [[hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis]], becomes dysregulated in exhaustion disorder, leading to the symptoms experienced by sufferers.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of exhaustion disorder involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Healthcare providers assess the patient's history of stress exposure, symptomatology, and rule out other potential causes of fatigue, such as [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] or [[depression]].
Diagnosis of exhaustion disorder involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Healthcare providers assess the patient's history of stress exposure, symptomatology, and rule out other potential causes of fatigue, such as [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] or [[depression]].
In Sweden, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed, which include:
In Sweden, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed, which include:
* A history of identifiable stressors for at least six months
* A history of identifiable stressors for at least six months
* Significant fatigue and reduced mental energy
* Significant fatigue and reduced mental energy
* At least four additional symptoms related to stress
* At least four additional symptoms related to stress
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for exhaustion disorder focuses on stress management and recovery. Key components include:
Treatment for exhaustion disorder focuses on stress management and recovery. Key components include:
* '''Psychotherapy''': Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help patients develop coping strategies and change maladaptive thought patterns.
* '''Psychotherapy''': Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help patients develop coping strategies and change maladaptive thought patterns.
* '''Lifestyle modifications''': Encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
* '''Lifestyle modifications''': Encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
* '''Workplace interventions''': Adjusting workload and improving work-life balance.
* '''Workplace interventions''': Adjusting workload and improving work-life balance.
* '''Relaxation techniques''': Practices such as [[mindfulness meditation]] and [[yoga]] can help reduce stress levels.
* '''Relaxation techniques''': Practices such as [[mindfulness meditation]] and [[yoga]] can help reduce stress levels.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
With appropriate treatment, many individuals with exhaustion disorder can recover and return to their normal activities. However, recovery can be a slow process, and some individuals may experience relapses if stressors are not adequately managed.
With appropriate treatment, many individuals with exhaustion disorder can recover and return to their normal activities. However, recovery can be a slow process, and some individuals may experience relapses if stressors are not adequately managed.
 
== See Also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Burnout (psychology)]]
* [[Burnout (psychology)]]
* [[Chronic fatigue syndrome]]
* [[Chronic fatigue syndrome]]
* [[Stress (biology)]]
* [[Stress (biology)]]
* [[Mental health]]
* [[Mental health]]
[[Category:Psychological disorders]]
[[Category:Psychological disorders]]
[[Category:Occupational health]]
[[Category:Occupational health]]

Latest revision as of 02:18, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Exhaustion disorder
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fatigue, cognitive difficulties, emotional instability, sleep disturbances
Complications N/A
Onset Gradual
Duration Can be chronic if untreated
Types N/A
Causes Chronic stress, work-related stress, burnout
Risks High workload, lack of support, poor work-life balance
Diagnosis Clinical assessment, psychological evaluation
Differential diagnosis Depression, anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, lifestyle changes
Medication Antidepressants, anxiolytics
Prognosis Good with treatment, but may recur
Frequency Increasing in modern societies
Deaths N/A


Exhaustion disorder is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms that result from prolonged exposure to stress. It is often considered a form of burnout, but it is distinct in its clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria. This disorder is recognized in some countries, such as Sweden, where it is known as "utmattningssyndrom."

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of exhaustion disorder are primarily related to chronic stress and include:

  • Severe physical and mental fatigue
  • Cognitive difficulties, such as impaired concentration and memory
  • Emotional instability, including irritability and mood swings
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or non-restorative sleep
  • Physical symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues

These symptoms can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life and may lead to long-term health consequences if not addressed.

Causes[edit]

Exhaustion disorder is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to stressors without adequate recovery. Common stressors include:

  • High workload and job demands
  • Lack of control over one's work environment
  • Interpersonal conflicts at work or home
  • Major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one

The body's stress response system, which involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, becomes dysregulated in exhaustion disorder, leading to the symptoms experienced by sufferers.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of exhaustion disorder involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Healthcare providers assess the patient's history of stress exposure, symptomatology, and rule out other potential causes of fatigue, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or depression. In Sweden, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed, which include:

  • A history of identifiable stressors for at least six months
  • Significant fatigue and reduced mental energy
  • At least four additional symptoms related to stress

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for exhaustion disorder focuses on stress management and recovery. Key components include:

  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help patients develop coping strategies and change maladaptive thought patterns.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
  • Workplace interventions: Adjusting workload and improving work-life balance.
  • Relaxation techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation and yoga can help reduce stress levels.

Prognosis[edit]

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with exhaustion disorder can recover and return to their normal activities. However, recovery can be a slow process, and some individuals may experience relapses if stressors are not adequately managed.

See Also[edit]